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“Buried in Treasures” Virtual Support Group Begins September 2nd

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding area including Easton, Stoughton, and Avon is offering an online version of their “Buried in Treasures” facilitated support group for individuals with hoarding issues. There is no cost to attend.

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding, OCES’ virtual “Buried in Treasures” confidential support group begins Wednesday, September 2, 2020 and meets once a week for 15 weeks. There is no class on November 11th.

“Buried in Treasures” is an educational, judgment-free, self-help group facilitated by OCES that meets virtually from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

“We’ve received very positive feedback about our Buried in Treasures workshops,” said Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “Past participants shared that the workshop was enlightening, supportive and exceeded their expectations. Others expressed that the classroom and homework combination was a great balance to help them conquer their clutter issues.” 

“Buried in Treasures” is available to people of all ages throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. All attendees will receive a complimentary workbook. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

For more information or to be screened and registered for the virtual support group, contact Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 extension 232.

What is Hoarding?

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothing, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as run the risk of losing their homes.

“Buried in Treasures” session is facilitated by OCES and sponsored by the Greater Brockton Area Task Force (GBAH), Mass Housing and OCES. 

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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Old Colony Elder Services Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse through Virtual Event

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) invites the public to participate in their virtual event to raise awareness of elder abuse.

In previous years, OCES raised awareness of elder abuse by holding “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth. This year, beginning June 15th and through the end of the month, OCES will raise awareness of elder abuse by holding a virtual WEAAD event.

The theme for WEAAD 2020 is “Lifting Up Voices”.

How it Works

To participate in OCES’ virtual event, simply take a photograph of yourself holding up a sign explaining how you are helping in the community by being a voice to help prevent and/or raise awareness about elder abuse.  Some examples of helping in the community include: checking on neighbors, listening to older adults, and reporting concerns.

Then, upload your picture to OCES’ WEAAD event page, https://www.facebook.com/events/602292773713778/ or follow OCES @OCESMA on Facebook for more information.  

Use the hashtags #ElderAbuse #LiftingUpVoices #WEAAD when posting your pictures.

“OCES’ call-to-action is for organizations, communities and individuals to lift up their voices – and raise awareness about elder abuse,” explained Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, Protective Services Director at OCES. “Even with social distancing, we can still work together, to collaborate and build awareness to this important issue.”

To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/

See Something, Say Something

OCES encourages anyone witnessing elder abuse to report it. Be proactive and be a part of the solution to help end elder abuse.

Recognizing Elder Abuse

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect or self neglect. Common risk factors are social isolation, poor physical health and dementia. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse.

OCES Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect by a caregiver, financial exploitation and/or self–neglect. When there is a report made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline), and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation is necessary by a Protective Services Worker.

If you have concerns contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you are looking to file a report on elder abuse, contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275. If you ‘See Something, Say Something, please report.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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PPG Foundation Provides Essential Support to Old Colony Elder Services’ Nutrition Program

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County as well as Avon, Stoughton and Easton, MA, has received a generous donation from the PPG Foundation on behalf of its aerospace facility located in Avon.  

The PPG Foundation is supporting local organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic and has made a $5,000 donation to OCES’ Nutrition Program for the Meals on Wheels daily home delivery of meals.

This funding comes at a critical time as referrals to OCES’ Nutrition Program for home delivered meals has dramatically increased due to COVID-19.  Not only are people staying home, they are interacting with family and friends less so the need for a daily safety check has become crucial to supporting the older adults in greater Plymouth County.  

OCES delivers over 45,000 nutritious meals a month to older adults and individuals with disabilities living within the 23 communities in their service area. All meals are planned by a nutritionist, and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, are delivered to individual homes. 

“We are extremely grateful to the PPG Foundation for their generous donation to our Meals on Wheels program, as their support helps us to provide essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals to our most vulnerable residents,” said Nicole Long, CEO. 

All of OCES’ programs – from Nutrition and Home Care to Protective Services – remain in place and are operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information or services from OCES, contact their Information and Referral Department at 508-584-1561. 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™

At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 135 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.1 billion in 2019. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

We protect and beautify the world is a trademark and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

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Congregate Housing Units in Bridgewater & Stoughton Now Available

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County announces Congregate Housing Program availability in Bridgewater and Stoughton, MA.

Congregate Housing is a shared living environment where consumers have their own private bedroom, and communal living space such as kitchens and sometimes bathrooms. Openings are available to older adults and individuals with disabilities at the Bridgewater and Stoughton housing authority sites.  

The Heritage Circle Congregate, located at 10 Heritage Circle in Bridgewater has a total of 10 units. Currently, at this location there are three units available. In Stoughton, there are a total of 19 units at The Silva House located at 44 Pleasant Street with one unit available at this time.  

To be eligible for Congregate Housing, applicants must be 60+ years of age or have a permanent disability.

“Congregate Housing provides an alternative housing option for older adults and people with disabilities interested in a shared living environment to prevent premature or unwanted institutionalization and /or homelessness,” said Elizabeth Weiner, OCES Housing Programs Manager. “Congregate housing is a good option for individuals who find it difficult to live alone or who enjoy the security of living with others.”

The goal of Congregate Housing is to integrate community resources, information, and services while providing group living support, to enrich the lives of those residents.

The Congregate Housing Coordinator, a specialist from OCES’ housing team, conducts an assessment to determine the specific needs of every resident residing within Bridgewater, Marshfield and Stoughton Congregate Housing sites.  All residents at these sites are eligible for information and referral services, case management assistance, and access to social or educational programs. Depending on eligibility, many other services are available as well.

“OCES works with housing authorities in Bridgewater, Marshfield and Stoughton to support the residents,” explained Weiner. “Congregate Housing Programs are designed to create a community environment which allows residents to age in community.”

Those interested in Congregate Housing in Bridgewater or Stoughton can apply online by using the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public-Housing (CHAMP) application and checking off the Congregate box, or by contacting the Bridgewater or Stoughton Housing Authorities. Visit https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing authorities continue to accept applications, however the housing authorities may cease lease-ups in congregate units during the emergency, as social distancing is difficult in these settings  It is still important to be added to the wait list so that you are eligible for an assessment when lease-ups resume. 

To learn more about Housing Programs offered by OCES, visit https://www.ocesma.org/getting-started/housing-options/

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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Nurses are year-round heroes. OCES celebrates nursing contributions.

With 2020 designated as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and National Nurses Week celebrated May 6th to May 12th, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, recognizes the essential care and contributions that nurses provide to the communities they serve every day.

“Nurses are central in the delivery of care and are on the front line in nearly every healthcare setting, from hospital to health care service agency,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “The role of nurses is essential and expansive, and the need for nurses continues to increase. OCES recognizes the vital contributions of our nurses and provides them with ongoing support and resources.”

OCES has been serving the community for 46 years and currently has a team of more than two dozen nurses who assist older adults and people with disabilities thrive in the community by helping to meet their long-term personal and health goals.

OCES’ registered nurses provide care to older adults through their Home Care (HC) program and Adult Family Care (AFC) program. OCES nurses conduct overall assessments of individuals which includes health and welfare, medical conditions and limitations, fall risk, the need for personal care, formal and informal supports, clinical eligibility for various program, among other needs, then draws from community resources and programs to help provide specific services needed. There is a tremendous collaborative effort between the various disciplines at OCES and with providers in the community.

OCES is continuously looking for talented individuals who support their core values to join their growing nursing team.

Long continued, “We recognize and celebrate the contributions of nurses, particularly during this incredibly challenging time in history. Their dedication to helping others not only strengthens our communities, but makes the world a better place. Nurses everywhere deserve our deepest appreciation.”

For more information about OCES, visit www.ocesma.org

The Year of the Nurse

2020 marks the bicentenary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. In recognition of the contributions of the founder of modern nursing, the World Health Organization has announced 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. To learn more, visit https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/year-of-the-nurse-and-the-midwife-2020

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org

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Abington Resident Named New Quality and Contracts Director at OCES in Brockton

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has promoted Joelle Bellotti to Quality and Contracts Director. She is a resident of Abington, MA.

Joelle Bellotti

In her new role at OCES, Bellotti will report directly to Diana DiGiorgi, Chief Operating Officer at OCES. She will oversee the Quality and Contracts department and staff.  For two years prior to her promotion, Bellotti served as Contracts Manager overseeing more than 60 plus service provider contracts, provider audits and handling any issues with providers, OCES’ staff and consumers. 

Bellotti began her career at OCES in 2014 serving as a Care Manager in the Home Care Program for one year prior to being promoted to Home Care Program Supervisor. She was promoted again in 2017 to Contracts Manager.

Bellotti is a member of OCES’ Home Care Aide Council Board of Directors.

Bellotti holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Psychology from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. She is a native of Abington, MA and graduate of Cardinal Spellman High School. 

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Abington Resident Named New Quality and Contracts Director at OCES in BrocktonRead More

Old Colony Elder Services’ Nutrition Program is Still Running & Accepting Referrals

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, is operating during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and continues to address the needs of their consumers and the local community.

In particular, OCES’ Nutrition Program and the Meals On Wheels daily home delivery of meals continues to run and is still accepting referrals.

Supporting OCES and Consumers

OCES delivers approximately 1,700 nutritious meals a day to older adults and individuals with disabilities living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. Due to COVID-19, the need for meals is dramatically increasing. All meals continue to be planned by a nutritionist, and with the help of volunteers, are delivered to individual homes.

Due to the increase demand for home delivered meals, OCES’ Nutrition program is currently recruiting volunteer drivers.

Another way to support OCES and their consumers at this time is by making a donation to their Emergency Fund or their Nutrition Department so they can continue to support consumers.

“We continue to provide services, including home delivery of meals, to older adults and individuals with disabilities to keep them safe and independent at home,” said Nicole Long, CEO. 

OCES’ number one priority is the wellbeing and health of their staff, consumers, volunteers and community. They are in close contact with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and the Department of Public Health, and are following their guidance as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended best practices. In addition, OCES is in close communication with their extensive network of in-home service providers, councils on aging, health care partners, and community partners to deliver services in a safe and effective manner.

All of OCES’ programs – from Nutrition and Home Care to Protective Services – remain in place and are operating. For new referrals, OCES’ nurses are conducting telehealth assessments. For more information or services from OCES, contact their Information and Referral Department at 508-584-1561. 

For all non-emergency COVID-19 pandemic related information, OCES directs community members to contact 211 or visit www.mass.gov.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org

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Legislative Roundtable Held at OCES in Brockton. Supportive Housing is a Key Issue.

Left to Right: Speaking Senator Timilty, Joe Bellil of Easterseals, Karen Langley of REquipment and Gretchen Emmetts, Director of Pembroke COA


Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County hosted and co-sponsored the Greater Brockton Area Legislative Roundtable at their Brockton office on February 7, 2020.

The legislative roundtable breakfast had 34 in attendance including: Senator Michael Brady in the Second Plymouth and Bristol District; Representative Claire Cronin representing the 11th Plymouth District; Representative Michelle DuBois, 10th Plymouth District; Legislative Aide Matthew Hannon; Legislative Aide Kathleen Baxter; Legislative Aide Joanne Tierney; Representative Kathleen LaNatra, 12th Plymouth District; Representative Mathew Muratore, 1st Plymouth District; Mayor of Brockton, Robert Sullivan; Representative Alyson Sullivan, 7th Plymouth District; Senator Walter Timilty, Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth District; and Brockton Housing Authority Executive Director Thomas Thibeault.

The event was co-sponsored by OCES, Independence Associates, and Easterseals Massachusetts. The three organizations, which have similar missions, discussed their priorities and goals, with supportive housing for older adults and individuals with disabilities being a central issue.  These agencies collectively emphasized the importance of REquipment who also attended this event to talk about the importance of the services and equipment that they offer the community. 

“The need for supportive housing for older adults and individuals with disabilities is increasing and will continue to do so over the next 10 years,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES. “Expanding the funding for supportive housing is imperative. Our funding goal would support at least 10 new supportive housing sites and an estimated 1,500 older adults living in public housing with enhanced coordination and access to long-term services and supports.”

Legislators discussed what they see are some of the key issues affecting people with disabilities locally and at the state level. Closing remarks were made by Steven Higgins, Executive Director of Independence Associates Center for Independent Living and Paul Medeiros, President of Easterseals Massachusetts.

About the Presenters

To learn more about Independence Associates, a Center for Independent Living, visit www.iacil.org. For more information about REquipment, durable medical equipment reuse, visit dmereuse.org. For additional information about Easterseals Massachusetts, visit www.easterseals.com/ma.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Legislative Roundtable Held at OCES in Brockton. Supportive Housing is a Key Issue.Read More

“Buried in Treasures” Support Group in Brockton Begins February 4th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) is offering a “Buried in Treasures” facilitated support group for individuals with hoarding issues.

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding, “Buried in Treasures” confidential support group begins Tuesday, February 4, 2020 and meets once a week for 15 weeks. 

“Buried in Treasures” is an educational, judgment-free, self-help group that meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at South Bay Community Services, 103 Commercial Street, Brockton. 

“Buried in Treasures” is available to people of all ages throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. All attendees will receive a complimentary workbook. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register for the Brockton support group, contact Terri Kourtz, OCES at (508) 584-1561 ext. 255 or Kelly Mules, at 508-580-4691 ext. 1812 for questions.  This program is free of charge.

What is Hoarding?

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothing, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as run the risk of losing their homes.

This “Buried in Treasures” session is facilitated South Bay Community Services in partnership with OCES, and sponsored by GBAH, Mass Housing and OCES. 

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

“Buried in Treasures” Support Group in Brockton Begins February 4thRead More